This article is shared by a Vietnamese-based Taiwanese businesswoman and her family on their Bali trip Content adapted/republished with permission from the owner of “Let’s Play and Eat Ho Chi Minh City” Originally posted in the Facebook group “Bali/Indonesia Travel Guide” Sourced from the group, giving back here
Bottom line: Day 2 of our Bali family trip recommended route—GWK Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (Jimbaran) → Uluwatu Free Beach Club → Uluwatu Temple → Fire Dance Show → Street Food—all doable as a day trip from Kuta, perfect for a deep dive into southern Bali’s top attractions.
On the second day of our first family trip to Bali, here’s what we had planned:

Starting from the super convenient Aloft Kuta (check out my previous post for details) > Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Jimbaran > Kelly’s Warung, an Uluwatu ocean-view restaurant > Uluwatu Temple > Kecak Fire Dance > Street food
GWK Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Experience history and culture at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

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In Bali, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Jimbaran, south of the airport, is a fantastic spot blending history and culture. Let’s explore this vibrant and enchanting place together.
Video intro: Three minutes to know Jimbaran
Discover the Legend of Bali: The Story of Garuda
Before stepping into Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, let’s take a moment to learn the story behind it. In Balinese legend, Garuda is a filial divine eagle who seeks help from Vishnu, one of the three main Hindu gods, to rescue his imprisoned mother. After defeating evil forces, he willingly becomes the mount of Vishnu, the most revered deity in Hinduism, showcasing his loyalty and courage.

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The tallest Garuda statue stands 21 stories high, ranking as the fourth tallest statue in the world and the tallest structure in Bali, making it the island’s most iconic landmark.
Explore Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park: A Journey Full of Surprises

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Although Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is still under expansion, it has already become a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you’re seeking history and culture or admiring magnificent sculptures, this place has it all. The entrance fee is quite affordable and includes a drink and an hourly spectacular performance. Additionally, a free shuttle service from the parking lot to the ticket counter is provided, making your visit even more convenient.
How to Explore: A Relaxing Tour of GWK

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Since the park is vast, under Bali’s scorching sun, it’s recommended to use the shuttle for getting around, which costs just 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah. This not only saves energy but also allows you to better enjoy the park’s scenery. Of course, if you prefer walking, you can explore at your own pace.
Don’t Miss the Spectacular Performances
In addition to admiring the giant statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park regularly hosts free performances, such as the Kecak fire dance. These shows are captivating, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the world of Balinese mythology. Be sure to check out other free performances within the park to enrich your journey even more.

GWK Free Performance Schedule (for reference only, subject to on-site changes)
GWK has scheduled free performances on the hour, and you can just walk in anytime. If you don’t want to spend extra to see the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu, don’t miss the free fire dance show here at 18:00!
This time, we watched the 14:00 performance ‘The Enchanting Beauty,’ which lasted about 20 minutes. It’s an interactive musical show that engages the audience.
Dining and Shopping Experience

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Inside the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, you’ll find various restaurants and cafes where you can savor local cuisine and enjoy a pleasant meal. Plus, your ticket includes a complimentary drink, ensuring you’re well taken care of during your visit. Don’t be like us—after happily browsing the souvenir shop, we left in high spirits, completely forgetting to claim it… Orz
Practical Tips

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- If you’re interested in panoramic views, consider purchasing an additional ticket to climb to the top of the Garuda statue.
- Book online via Klook to save money and avoid waiting in line at the venue. Open the QR Code in the email and scan it at ‘Counter 5’ to exchange for a physical ticket. I recommend booking only when you’re sure you’re on your way to GWK, so you don’t waste the ticket if plans change.
🦅☀️🌴GWK Cultural Park, with its awe-inspiring giant statues of Vishnu and Garuda 😍, plus traditional performances—a perfect blend of culture and nature ▶Klook Booking Link
Quick Reference: Complete Guide to Bali’s Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park
Kelly’s Warung Beach Club: Unbeatable Ocean Views
Our second stop was a hidden gem: ‘Kelly’s Warung.’

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The Uluwatu area is famous for its stunning coastline, and Kelly’s Warung Beach Club is one of those spots that lets visitors soak in breathtaking ocean views.
Discover Uluwatu’s Unbeatable Ocean Views
At Kelly’s Warung Beach Club, you can dip your feet in the cool pool water while gazing out at the endless blue coastline stretching before you. While many beach clubs come with steep prices, Kelly’s Warung offers great value with no entry fee, letting you enjoy the beach hassle-free.
Uncover a Hidden Beach Club in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is home to many well-known beach clubs, but Kelly’s Warung is a hidden gem. Though a bit tricky to find, once you arrive, you’ll discover it’s a fantastic spot to unwind.

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Kelly’s Warung looks easy to reach on Google Maps, but in reality, we kept circling around, struggling to find the entrance. Our driver Gede had to ask around repeatedly—it took quite some effort!
After parking, you need to follow a small path downhill, navigating several steps and slopes. Just when your legs are about to give out, Kelly’s Warung appears right by the beach.
What Makes Kelly’s Warung Special

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Perched by the beach, Kelly’s Warung offers great value with no entry fee and stunning ocean views that make you feel like you’re on a European beach. Dining prices are moderate, and shower facilities are available for guests who eat there, letting you enjoy the sea breeze while savoring your meal.
Below are some famous beach clubs in Uluwatu:
- Sunday Beach Club
- White Rock Beach Club
- Savaya
- TT (Tropical Temptation) Beach Club
- Karma Beach at Karma Kandara
- Minoo Beach Club
- Roosterfish Beach Club
- Ulu Cliffhouse
- Palmilla
- El Kabron
🏖️🍹🏄♂️ Uluwatu Beach Club: Sip a cool coconut 🥥 while soaking in the sunset 🌅 and waves, with surfing 🏄♂️ or music 🎶 making for a perfect getaway 😎📸! ▶ Some deals from Klook:
Practical Tips
Lay down a towel, and you’ll find sunbathers lounging in the sun, while surfers ride the waves in the distance—it feels like a European beach in an instant!
- Free entry
- No time limit
- Mid-range food prices
- Brilliantly blue, crystal-clear water right on the first row of the beach
- Shower facilities available for dining guests
- Not recommended for seniors with knee issues
Uluwatu Temple: Chasing the Romantic Sunset Where Sea and Sky Meet

A live shot from ‘Let’s Play and Eat Ho Chi Minh City.’ The sacred ‘Meru’ at Uluwatu Temple is off-limits, 👣 but follow the paths to the left and right of the temple, and every scene is a priceless, breathtaking view 💯
Uluwatu Temple is Bali’s southernmost landmark, drawing countless visitors with its dramatic coastline and sunset-lit cliffs. Beyond the natural beauty, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Beware of Monkeys Snatching Your Belongings
The monkeys at Uluwatu Temple are highly aggressive and often snatch items from visitors’ hands, so stay alert to avoid any trouble.
Explore the Scenery Around the Temple
Although you can’t enter the temple itself, walking along the paths on either side reveals breathtaking natural landscapes. Every corner is filled with priceless beauty, well worth savoring.
Watch the Traditional Kecak Fire Dance
Two traditional Kecak fire dance performances are held daily, and no visitor should miss them. This show blends natural beauty with cultural performance, offering a dreamlike experience.
Tips and Recommendations

🗒 Two daily traditional Kecak fire dance performances are a must-see. 👉 The fire dance ticket booth is inside the park 👈, so purchase your tickets after entering.
Admission ticket prices vary depending on the visitor’s status, so buy accordingly. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a good seat, and stay alert during the performance to avoid any issues.
About the Fire Dance
The Kecak fire dance primarily reenacts a segment of the Hindu epic Ramayana, featuring the battle between the monkey king and demons. With dazzling flames and vibrant costumes, it’s a mesmerizing spectacle! For those interested in learning more about this famous Hindu performance, click here for a detailed introduction by our editor. It’s a show that nearly everyone finds well worth the price!

📝 I highly recommend catching the first performance, accompanied by the sunset. The natural beauty blends seamlessly with the Kecak show, creating a dreamlike, half-awake experience 💭 that feels truly meaningful.
If you’re planning to catch the fire dance, check out these highly-rated Klook tours. Booking through Klook makes it easy to enjoy this thrilling performance!
- Chinese-guided day tour: Uluwatu Temple Sunset & Kecak Fire Dance
- Tanah Lot & Padang Beach & Uluwatu Sunset & Kecak Dance Day Tour
- Ubud Exotic Waterfalls & Uluwatu Temple Private Tour (with Kecak Dance Experience)
- Bali Top Southern Beaches Day Tour (with Fire Dance & Jimbaran Beach Dinner)
- Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance Show Tickets
Practical Tips
- Seating is free, so arrive early to snag the best spots: facing the ocean, the temple on the right, and the sunset on the left.
- The performance lasts about 45 minutes, followed by a 10-minute photo session with the performers—make sure to take advantage of it.
- Uluwatu’s cliffs, sunset, and fire dance are truly worth looking forward to.
- Regardless of gender, if your lower body clothing doesn’t reach the knee, you’ll need to wrap a sarong (provided free on-site). If it does, just tie a sash.
- For the fire dance, if you want to interact with the performers (like the Monkey King), choose seats near the railings on either side.
- It’s recommended to pre-purchase fire dance tickets via Klook to avoid queuing on-site!
- Park entry tickets must be bought at the venue, but be sure not to wait until you arrive to buy fire dance tickets—go snap photos with the cliffs first, as it gets extremely crowded!
Uluwatu Dining and Entertainment Recommendations

Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, charming beaches, and excellent surfing spots. Filled with a romantic tropical vacation atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments. If you're also considering staying in Uluwatu, you can refer to the following carefully curated dining and entertainment guide to make your trip even more enriching and fun: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions and Dining Recommendations
Uluwatu Accommodation Themes
- Uluwatu Accommodation Recommendations: 14 Private Villas with Stunning Ocean Views
- Bali's 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs | Top Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Uluwatu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Return & Sneak Peek
We headed back to rest at Aloft Kuta, located right inside Beachwalk Shopping Center. It’s a perfect hotel for our family of four—modern and stylish, with rooms featuring two queen beds. Check out my Day 1 travelogue Day 1: Aloft Kuta Stay & Driver Recommendation for more details.

The two-queen-bed room at Aloft Kuta also comes with a mini bar
▶Aloft Kuta Booking Link Booking
On this trip to Uluwatu Temple, cliffs, and sunset, our driver Gede stuck with us the whole time, helping take photos and keeping a sharp eye out for monkeys trying to snatch our belongings—always stay alert!
But remember to be a considerate traveler: Gede is a driver, not a personal guide. It’s perfectly reasonable if he doesn’t accompany you into the scenic area, so please don’t over-request—put yourself in his shoes!

A good driver can make all the difference! Gede is absolutely worth recommending!!
Here’s the driver’s contact info for you:
- Gede Arimbawa (pronounced: Geh-day)
- LINE ID: Bopeas29
- WhatsApp: +62 8786 2004 094
- Mobile: +62 81237 811 841
In the next episode, join us as we experience the thrill and fun of surfing, plus a first look at our exciting adventures in Ubud—stay tuned!
The full travelogue is now complete:
- Day 1: Staying in a Shopping Mall! Family-Friendly Accommodation for Two Adults and Two Kids
- Day 2: GWK Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Free Beach Club in Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple, and Kecak Fire Dance
- Day 3-7: Five Days in Ubud: Food, Attractions, Accommodation, and Volcano Exploration Tips
- Day 8: How to Enjoy Bali Safari and Overnight Stay Guide
This article is about a Taiwanese businesswoman based in Vietnam and her family trip to Bali. The content above is adapted and republished with permission from the owner of “Let’s Play and Eat Ho Chi Minh City”. The original article was posted in the Facebook group “Bali/Indonesia Food & Travel Guide”. Taken from the group, now shared back to the community.
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Update: 2026/06/10
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